File photo of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). INQUIRER / ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

CEBU CITY — An alleged commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday surrendered to the police in this city.

Misael Atadero Dela Cruz, 57, a resident of Sitio Kakha, Barangay Talalak, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, was accompanied by his wife.

He said he decided to surrender in Cebu City “for security purposes” as he feared yielding to authorities in Negros.

Dela Cruz, also known as “Jimlan, Layan, Ly, Totoy, Yanyan, Naldo, and Yaksel” is facing multiple charges in court and said he was tired of hiding.

The suspect is considered a “national level most wanted person.”

“I think he feels more at ease surrendering and revealing himself in Cebu City, possibly because of the media presence here. That might be a way for him to protect himself,” said Lieutenant Colonel Macatangay, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office.

The police served multiple warrants of arrest against him when he surrendered to the Abellana Police Station in Cebu City with the assistance of the Regional Intelligence Unit.

The suspect has outstanding warrants for three counts of rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental; and violations of Republic Act 9851 (Crimes Against International Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City.

He also has three counts of murder charges issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City and Branch 64 in Guihulngan City; two counts of frustrated murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City and Branch 63 in Bayawan City; and violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), Republic Act 7166, and Comelec Resolution No. 10728, all issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in Dumaguete City.

He also faces two counts of robbery issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City and six counts of theft issued by the same court in Guihulngan City.

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